Disaster preparation system

ABSTRACT

A disaster preparation system may include a system controller. The system controller may include a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions executable by the device processor to perform the following steps: receiving location data from a personal electronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regarding a predicted disaster; making a determination of a preparatory action to be executed on behalf of the user, based on the location data and the forecast data; and executing the preparatory action at a predetermined time relative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/773,906, filed Nov. 30, 2018, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to pre-disaster assistancesystems and, more particularly, to a pre-disaster banking system, apre-disaster preparatory action system, and a pre-disaster educationsystem.

BACKGROUND

Prior to the occurrence of predicted disasters, such as hurricanes,tornados, floods, etc., there are various precautions that residents ofthe predicted disaster zone can take to avoid or better withstand theimpending disaster. For example, residents subject to an impendingdisaster may prepare for a lack of availability of various resources,including, money, fuel, electricity, food, water, etc. In order toprepare for a predicted disaster, steps can be taken to prepare for thisunavailability of certain resources. For example, in case bankingsystems and establishments become inoperable/inaccessible, a person maywithdraw money to be used while the financial systems are down. However,in some cases, a person may not have the cash reserves in the bank fromwhich to draw.

In some cases, steps can be taken to ensure availability of energyresources, such as fuel and electricity during a disaster. For example,ahead of a predicted disaster, people may purchase a gas-poweredelectric generator as well as fuel to power it. However, if a disasterapproaches with little warning, or if these resources are hard to comeby due to large numbers of people also preparing for their own survival,it may be difficult for people to obtain energy resources.

In some cases, it may be advisable for residents to evacuate the areawhere the disaster is predicted to occur. Further, since their homes maybe subject to significant damage, it may be advisable for them to bringsome or all of their belongings with them when they evacuate. However,residents do not always know when they should evacuate, or simply bunkerdown inside their homes. Further, they may not know how much of theirbelongings should be taken with them. For example, is mild floodingexpected, so merely emptying their basement will be sufficient, or is a20 foot storm surge expected to destroy their entire house? Theresidents may not know with specificity whether and to what extent thepredicted disaster will affect them. General advisories may be providedfor a geographic region, but residents may not have recommendationsspecific to their own situation. For example, a resident may live in alow-lying area, but their home may not be at as much risk for floodingas their neighbors because it may reside at a higher elevation or builton stilts.

There is a need in the art for systems and methods that address theshortcomings discussed above. In particular, there is a need in the artfor pre-disaster banking, preparation, and education systems.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a pre-disasterbanking system, comprising: a system controller. The system controllermay include a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readablemedium including instructions executable by the device processor toperform the following steps: receiving location data from a personalelectronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regarding apredicted disaster; making a determination of a banking transaction tobe executed for the user, based on the location data and the forecastdata; and executing the determined banking transaction at apredetermined time relative to the predicted time of occurrence of thepredicted disaster.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a pre-disasterbanking system, comprising: a system controller. The system controllermay include a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readablemedium including instructions executable by the device processor toperform the following steps: receiving location data from a personalelectronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regarding apredicted disaster; and executing a cash advance to a bank account ofthe user, based on the location data and the forecast data.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method forpre-disaster automated banking. The method may include receivinglocation data, with a system controller, from a personal electronicdevice of a user; receiving forecast data, with the system controller,regarding a predicted disaster; making a determination of a bankingtransaction to be executed for the user, based on the location data andthe forecast data; and executing the determined banking transaction at apredetermined time relative to the predicted time of occurrence of thepredicted disaster.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a disasterpreparation system, comprising a system controller. The systemcontroller may include a device processor; and a non-transitory computerreadable medium including instructions executable by the deviceprocessor to perform the following steps: receiving location data from apersonal electronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regardinga predicted disaster; making a determination of a preparatory action tobe executed on behalf of the user, based on the location data and theforecast data; and executing the preparatory action at a predeterminedtime relative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicteddisaster.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a disasterpreparation method. The method may include receiving location data, witha system controller, from a personal electronic device of a user;receiving forecast data, with a system controller, regarding a predicteddisaster; making a determination of a preparatory action to be executedon behalf of the user, based on the location data and the forecast data;and executing the preparatory action at a predetermined time relative tothe predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a pre-disastereducation system, comprising: a system controller. The controller mayinclude a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readablemedium including instructions executable by the device processor toperform the following steps: receiving location data from a personalelectronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regarding apredicted disaster; making a determination of an educational message tobe sent to the personal electronic device of the user; based on thelocation data and the forecast data; and sending the educational messageto the personal electronic device of the user at a predetermined timerelative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a pre-disastereducation system, comprising: a system controller. The controller mayinclude a device processor; and a non-transitory computer readablemedium including instructions executable by the device processor toperform the following steps: receiving location data from a personalelectronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regarding apredicted disaster; and sending an educational message to the personalelectronic device of the user, based on the location data and theforecast data.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method forpre-disaster education. The method may include receiving location data,with a system controller, from a personal electronic device of a user;receiving forecast data, with a system controller, regarding a predicteddisaster; making a determination of an educational message to be sent tothe personal electronic device of the user, based on the location dataand the forecast data; and sending the educational message to thepersonal electronic device of the user at a predetermined time relativeto the predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster banking system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a map showing a location of apersonal electronic device in a geographic region within a predicteddisaster zone;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a registration interface for thepre-disaster banking system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster bankingtransaction;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining apre-disaster banking transaction to be made and executing thetransaction;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a disaster preparation system;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of storage facility vacancyinformation;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a hauling vehicle recommendationinterface;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a hauling vehicle provided toassist a resident move their belongings ahead of a predicted disaster;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating process of determining a size of ahauling vehicle needed for a resident's belongings;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a recent purchase history of aresident;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster order prepared bythe pre-disaster preparation system to furnish a user with recommendedsupplies in preparation for a predicted disaster;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining suppliesneeded by a user to prepare for a disaster and sending the determinedsupplies to the user;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster education system;

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of shelter facility vacancyinformation;

FIG. 16 is a personal electronic device interface illustrating exemplaryeducational messages sent to a user by a pre-disaster education system;and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining aneducational message to be sent to a user and sending the educationalmessage.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed pre-disaster assistance systems may include severalfeatures for assisting persons who are reside; or are otherwise located;in a predicted disaster area. For example, the disclosed systems may beconfigured to execute bank transactions on behalf of a user, perform apre-disaster preparatory action, or deliver pre-disaster educationalmessages to the user. By providing such pre-disaster assistance; usersmay be better prepared to survive during and after a disaster.Alternatively, or additionally, such assistance may facilitate thepreservation of the user's belongings and the integrity of theirproperty, such as their homes. Further; such assistance, particularlyeducational messages, may assist residents to be better prepared byproviding information about beneficial preparatory actions they can takeand/or by providing information about preparatory actions that may beparticularly beneficial for the immediate locality of the user'sresidence.

Pre-Disaster Banking System

In order to assist users to deal with the financial burdens of adisaster, a pre-disaster banking system may be configured to determineand perform banking transactions for users. For example, in some cases,the system may be configured to execute a cash advance for the user inorder to help the user pay for precautionary action, preparatorypurchases, and/or evacuation. In some cases, the cash advance may beexecuted in order to avoid missing a payroll deposit in the event thepayroll system is at risk of becoming unavailable due to the effects ofthe disaster.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster banking system 100.As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 may include a system controller 105.Controller 105 may include various computing and communicationshardware, such as servers, integrated circuits, displays, etc. Further,controller 105 may include a device processor 110 and a non-transitorycomputer readable medium 115 including instructions executable by deviceprocessor 110 to perform the processes discussed herein. The componentsof controller 105 may be implemented in association with a mobileconditions monitoring center, such as vehicle, or in association with acontrol center or conditions monitoring center located in a permanentbuilding (i.e., a brick and mortar establishment).

The non-transitory computer readable medium may include any suitablecomputer readable medium, such as a memory, e.g., RAM, ROM, flashmemory, or any other type of memory known in the art. In someembodiments, the non-transitory computer readable medium may include,for example, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, anoptical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of suchdevices. More specific examples of the non-transitory computer readablemedium may include a portable computer diskette, a floppy disk, a harddisk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a staticrandom access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flashmemory), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, and anysuitable combination of these exemplary media. A non-transitory computerreadable medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as beingtransitory signals, such as radio waves or other freely propagatingelectromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through awaveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passingthrough a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted througha wire.

Instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium forcarrying out operations of the present invention may beinstruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, assembler instructions,machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode,firmware instructions, configuration data for integrated circuitry,state-setting data, or source code or object code written in any of oneor more programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or suitable language, and proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described in association withfigures illustrating flowcharts and/or block diagrams of methods,apparatus (systems), and computing products. It will be understood thateach block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams can be implemented bycomputer readable instructions. The flowcharts and block diagrams in thefigures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation ofpossible implementations of various disclosed embodiments. Accordingly,each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module,segment, or portion of instructions. In some implementations, thefunctions set forth in the figures and claims may occur in analternative order than listed and/or illustrated.

Controller 105 may include networking hardware configured to interfacewith other nodes of a network, such as a LAN, WLAN, or other networks.In Further, controller 105 may be configured to receive data from aplurality of sources and communicate information to one or more externaldestinations. Accordingly, controller 105 may include a receiver 120 anda transmitter 125. (It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments,the receiver and transmitter may be combined in a transceiver.)

Any suitable communication platforms and/or protocols may be utilizedfor communication between controller 105 and other components of thesystem. Since the various sources of information may each have their ownplatform and/or protocol, system 100 may be configured to interface witheach platform and/or protocol to receive the data.

The computer readable medium may include instructions executable by thedevice processor to perform steps including receiving location data froma personal electronic device of a user 130. User 130 is shown holding apersonal electronic device such as a smart phone. However, the personalelectronic device from which location data is received may be any typeof personal electronic device for which the location may be tracked.Exemplary alternatives include stationary devices, such as desktopcomputers; portable computing devices, such as tablets and laptops; andwearable technology, such as smart watches, fitness trackers, etc. Thesepersonal electronic devices may have similar components as controller105. For example, the personal electronic devices may include a deviceprocessor and non-transitory computer readable medium containinginstructions executable by the processor. Such devices may also includea receiver, transmitter, transceiver, or other communication equipment.Skilled artisans will readily recognize suitable features andspecifications for such personal electronic devices for use with thedisclosed system.

In addition, the computer readable medium may include instructions forreceiving forecast data regarding a predicted disaster, which isillustrated by a weather map 135. Although forecast data regarding apredicted disaster is represented by a weather map, it will beunderstood that forecast data regarding a predicted disaster may be anytype of information regarding predicted disasters that may be consideredby controller 105 in determining how to assist the users who arepotentially affected by the impending disaster. Accordingly, while thedisaster may include weather disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes,snow storms, etc., in some cases, non-weather based disasters may beconsidered by the system. For example, forest fires, war zones, acts ofterrorism, etc. may be considered by the system.

Further, the computer readable medium may include instructions formaking a determination of a banking transaction to be executed involvinga bank account of the user, based on the location data and the forecastdata received by the controller. Also, the computer readable medium mayinclude instructions for executing the determined banking transaction ata predetermined time relative to the predicted time of occurrence of thepredicted disaster.

In FIG. 1, the execution of the banking transaction is indicated by abank 145. The banking transaction may be any transaction executed onbehalf of, or otherwise for the benefit of, the user whose personalelectronic device is tracked for consideration by controller 105, Forexample, in some embodiments, the banking transaction may include a cashadvance performed prior to a regularly scheduled payroll deposit. Thatis, if the user receives regular payroll deposits into their account,but the next deposit is scheduled for a time period during or followinga predicted disaster, system 100 may issue a cash advance to the userprior to the scheduled deposit. The cash advance may enable the user topurchase various supplies to prepare for or evacuate from an impendingdisaster.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, computer readable medium 115 mayfurther include instructions for receiving data from one or more thirdparties and basing the determination of a banking transaction to beexecuted, at least in part, on the third party data. Exemplary thirdparty data 140 may include information regarding the user's pay.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the one or more third parties fromwhich data may be received may include an employer payroll organizationof the user. The payroll organization may be the user's employer, or anindependent payroll service.

The amount of the cash advance may be determined based on a number offactors including, for example, the number of family members living withthe user, the severity of the predicted disaster, whether the user isrecommended to evacuate the residence or simply bunker down in place,how much fuel the user will need to evacuate, etc. In some embodiments,this information may be provided by the user at the time of registrationwith system 100. The registration process is discussed in greater detailbelow with respect to FIG. 3, This information could be received fromother third parties, such as weather services, disaster responseorganizations, first responders (e.g., fire department, policedepartment, coast guard, etc.), and any other organization that mayprovide information that would enable a more informed determination asto an amount of cash needed by the user ahead of the disaster.

It will be understood that the initial determination of the banktransaction may be based on the amount of time remaining until thedisaster when the initial determination is made. The forecast mayprovide a longer or shorter lead time before the disaster occurs. Also,a user may register with the pre-disaster assistance system well aheadof a predicted disaster, or shortly before the disclosed disaster.Accordingly, the amount of time remaining before the predictedoccurrence of the disaster is considered when determining what thepre-disaster assistance is to be.

Also, as the amount of time remaining reduces, the determined assistanceto be provided may change. Accordingly, in some embodiments, thecomputer readable medium may further include instructions for, prior toexecuting the banking transaction, changing the determination of thebanking transaction to be executed based on a change in the locationdata received from the personal electronic device of the user or basedon a change in the forecast data received regarding the predicteddisaster. For example, if the banking transaction is determined by thecontroller and scheduled to be made 72 hours before the disaster isforecast to begin, but 84 hours prior to the predicted disaster theforecast changes, the system may change the determined bankingtransaction. For instance, if the initial forecast called for a verysevere storm, and recommendations were for the local residents toevacuate the area, the initial determination may have been for arelatively high cash advance amount, particularly given the user's needfor fuel to make the evacuation. If the forecast changes, and the stormis not predicted to be as severe in the user's locality, and evacuationis no longer recommended, the amount of the cash advance to be made maybe reduced. The opposite change may also be made. That is, if theforecast changes to a more severe disaster, the cash advance amount tobe made may be increased instead of decreased.

In addition, the computer readable medium may further includeinstructions for receiving purchase data regarding purchases made by theuser within a predetermined period of time prior to the making of thedetermination of the banking transaction to be executed, and basing thedetermination, at least in part, on the received purchase data. Forexample, as shown and discussed in greater detail below with respect toFIGS. 11 and 12, a user's purchase history may be tracked, and acustomized pre-disaster purchase order may be generated on behalf of theuser to send the user various items that have been determined to bebeneficial to the user's situation but not identified in the user'srecent purchase history. The amount of the cash advance may bedetermined, at least in part, on the user's recent purchase history. Inorder to effectuate this purchase tracking, the user may register acredit card in the system, and authorize the system to be granted accessto the user's purchase records using that credit card. In some cases,the system itself may be operated by, or otherwise associated with, afinancial institution, and thus, the financial institution may haveaccess to the user's purchase history using the financial institution'sown credit card or debit card.

Also, in some embodiments, computer readable medium 115 may furtherinclude instructions for, based on the pre-disaster circumstances,changing a security protocol for executing the banking transaction. Forexample, in some cases, the security protocol(s) for executing thepre-disaster banking transaction may be relaxed when compared to thestandard security protocols required by the user's bank. For instance,in some cases, if the bank typically requires a two prongedidentification protocol (e.g., pass code and fingerprint), thepre-disaster transaction may be executable with only one type ofidentification (e.g., only the thumbprint). It may be more difficult toprovide certain security identification during the time of a disaster.For example, if a user is in a hurry to prepare for the impendingdisaster, they may not have time to find a seldom used security passcode. Accordingly, the system may merely require the user's fingerprint.In some cases, security protocols may be satisfied through the systemregistration process in order to enable less rigorous security protocolsto be implemented to approve execution of the actual bankingtransaction.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a map showing a location of apersonal electronic device in a geographic region within a predicteddisaster zone. FIG. 2 shows, schematically, an example of how thedisclosed system considers the location of a user with respect to apredicted disaster zone. As shown in FIG. 2, a map 200 illustrates ahurricane 205 having a first side 210 and a second side 215 opposite thefirst side defining a storm width 220 as hurricane 205 proceeds in adirection indicated by an arrow 225. Accordingly, a predicted path ofthe hurricane includes the geographic area in the direction of arrow 225with respect to the current position of hurricane 205, and having awidth approximating storm width 215. A pin location 230 of a personalelectronic device 235 indicates a user device being located in thepredicted path of hurricane 205.

The location of the user device within the predicted path is consideredin determining the type and magnitude of assistance to be provided tothe user. For example, the proximity of pin location 230 to first side210 of the storm path will determine how far a user needs to travel toevacuate, which will determine, for example, how much fuel will beneeded to drive the required evacuation distance.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a registration interface for thepre-disaster banking system. FIG. 3 shows a personal electronic device300 having a graphical user interface 305. Displayed on interface 305are the menus of an application configured to enable a user to registerwith a pre-disaster assistance system. Accordingly, device 300 mayinclude a device processor and a non-transitory computer readable mediumstoring instructions that are executable by the device processor. Thefeatures and specifications of these components may be similar to thedevice processor and non-transitory computer readable medium discussedabove.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first field 310 may enable a user to enter theirname. Also, a second field 315 may enable a user to enter their addressinformation. In addition, at a third field 320, the user may enterinformation regarding the bank account to which they would like a cashadvance to be issued in the event of a disaster. Further, theregistration system may enable the user to enter various additionalpieces of personal information that may be relevant to the determinationof the type and magnitude of assistance required by the user in theevent of a disaster. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 at field 325, theuser may enter the number of family members that reside at the user'sresidence. Other exemplary information which may be input into theregistration system may include the ages of the family members, anyhealth conditions the family members may have, the types of vehiclesdriven by the members in the household, etc. Once all relevantinformation has been provided, the user may finalize their registration,for example, by pressing an “ENTER” button 330. These and other types ofinformation may be considered by the system in determining the type andmagnitude of assistance provided to the user.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster bankingtransaction. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the bankingtransaction may be executed at bank 145 by transferring a determinedamount of cash 400 from a bank reserve 405 to the user's account 410.This type of transaction is intended to be exemplary. Those havingordinary skill in the art will readily recognize other ways in which acash advance may be provided to the user. For example, in some cases,the cash may not necessarily be transferred to the user, but rather madeavailable for the user to withdraw directly from the bank reserve. Insuch a case, the cash advance may be distributed directly to the user,e.g., at a branch or automated teller machine (ATM), without the cashever having been deposited in the user's own account. In some cases, themoney may be transferred from another source other than the bank's ownreserve. For example, in some embodiments, the cash may be advanced bythe user's employer or payroll service, thus eliminating the risk to thebank in essentially lending the user cash temporarily until the nextpayroll deposit is completed. Further, other types of transactions maybe executed other than a cash advance. For example, in some cases, moneymay be transferred from one of the user's own accounts to a differentaccount of the user. For instance, the banking transaction may involvepulling money out of a retirement fund, stocks, or other investment fundand transferring it to the user's savings or checking account for moreimmediate access. In some cases, the banking transaction may includetransferring a pre-disaster settlement, or partial settlement, from aninsurance company.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining apre-disaster banking transaction to be made and executing thetransaction. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the computer readable medium mayinclude instructions for receiving location data (step 500), with asystem controller, from a personal electronic device of a user. Inaddition, the computer readable medium may include instructions forreceiving forecast data (step 505), with the system controller,regarding a predicted disaster. Further, the computer readable mediummay include instructions for making a determination of a bankingtransaction to be executed involving a bank account of the user (step510), based on the location data and the forecast data. Also, thecomputer readable medium may include instructions for executing thedetermined banking transaction (step 515) at a predetermined timerelative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

As also shown in FIG. 5, the method may further include, prior toexecuting the banking transaction, changing the determination of thebanking transaction to be executed based on a change in the locationdata received from the personal electronic device of the user or basedon a change in the forecast data received regarding the predicteddisaster. Accordingly, once the banking transaction has been determinedat step 510, but prior to executing the banking transaction at step 515,the system may again consider (or continuously reconsider) any newlyreceived location data via a logic loop 520 which returns the method tostep 500, Upon considering any changes in the received location data,the determination of the banking transaction may change. For example, ifthe user's device is detected to now be outside of the predicteddisaster zone, it may be concluded that the user is now out of the area,and thus, does not need assistance with evacuation. Similarly, thesystem may also again consider (or reconsider) any updated forecast dataregarding an impending disaster, and change the determination of thebanking transaction to be executed. For example, if the strength of thehurricane is forecast to be weaker than previously predicted, the amountof the cash advance to be provided may be reduced. Conversely, if thestorm is forecast to be stronger than previously predicted, a largercash advance may be provided.

It will also be noted that, the severity of the predicted disaster maynot necessarily be directly proportional to the amount of the cashadvance. For example, if a storm is weaker, the initial determinationmay be to provide a cash advance in an amount that may enable the userto purchase food for the entire family for a week. If the forecastchanges and the storm is subsequently forecast to be stronger, the newdetermination for a cash advance may provide for evacuation. In suchcase, the amount of cash needed for the evacuation may be less than thatneeded to obtain food and supplies for a week. In some cases it may begreater, but not necessarily.

Further, the system may be configured to consider various factors, suchas costs, when recommending precautions and providing assistance. Forexample, in some cases, the system may weigh whether bunkering at homeor evacuating would be more expensive, and may opt to recommend andfacilitate whichever is less expensive. Accordingly, if the systemdetermines that evacuation would be less expensive, the system maydetermine a lesser amount for a cash advance, and may advise the user ofthe recommendation for less expensive precautionary action.

Disaster Preparation System

There are a number of precautionary steps that residents may take inorder to prepare for an impending disaster. For example, in some cases,it may be advisable to move some or all of the user's belongings,temporarily or permanently, in order to avoid damage or loss due to adisaster, Other types of preparatory action may include purchasingsupplies, such as groceries (e.g., non-perishable food items, water,etc.), energy provisions (e.g., batteries, electric power generators,phone chargers, etc.), home protection items (e.g., sandbags, plywood toboard up windows, etc.), and/or first aid supplies. Further, preparatoryactions may include preparing one's property to withstand a predicteddisaster. For example, if floodwaters are anticipated, sandbags may beplaced to protect one's home. Similarly, if high winds are predicted,windows may be covered with boards. The disclosed disaster preparationsystem may be configured to coordinate the provision of such preparatoryaction for users based on various monitored data.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a disaster preparation system 600.As shown in FIG. 6, system 600 may include a system controller 605.Controller 605 may include various computing and communicationshardware, such as servers, integrated circuits, displays, etc. Further,controller 605 may include a device processor 610 and a non-transitorycomputer readable medium 615 including instructions executable by deviceprocessor 610 to perform the processes discussed herein. The componentsof controller 605 may be implemented in association with a mobileconditions monitoring center, such as vehicle, or in association with acontrol center or conditions monitoring center located in a permanentbuilding (i.e., a brick and mortar establishment), Controller 605 andits components may have the same or similar features as controller 105and its components discussed above.

Also, similar to system 100 above, system 600 may be configured toreceive location data (630) regarding a user's device, as well asforecast data (635) regarding a predicted disaster. Further, computerreadable medium 615 may include instructions for making a determinationof a preparatory action to be executed on behalf of the user, based onthe location data and the forecast data; and executing the preparatoryaction at a predetermined time relative to the predicted time ofoccurrence of the predicted disaster. For example, the system may beconfigured to dispatch a vehicle 645, In some embodiments, vehicle 645may be a hauling vehicle to assist with the moving of the user'sbelongings. For example, in some cases, the preparatory action mayinclude coordinating an order of a moving service to move belongings ofthe user. In some embodiments, vehicle 645 may be a shipping vehicleconfigured to deliver items from a pre-disaster order. It will be notedthat other types of pre-disaster preparatory action may be taken thatdoes not necessarily involve a vehicle. However, the dispatch of vehicle645 is utilized to represent the execution of preparatory actionsgenerally.

It will be understood that the initial determination of the preparatoryaction may be based on the amount of time remaining until the disasterwhen the initial determination is made. The forecast may provide alonger or shorter lead time before the disaster occurs. Also, a user mayregister with the pre-disaster assistance system well ahead of apredicted disaster, or shortly before the disclosed disaster.Accordingly, the amount of time remaining before the predictedoccurrence of the disaster is considered when determining what thepre-disaster assistance is to be.

Also, as the amount of time remaining before the predicted occurrence ofa disaster reduces, the determined assistance to be provided may change.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the computer readable medium mayfurther include instructions for, prior to executing the preparatoryaction, changing the determination of the preparatory action to beexecuted based on a change in the location data received from thepersonal electronic device of the user or based on a change in theforecast data received regarding the predicted disaster. For example, ifthe preparatory action is determined by the controller and scheduled tobe made 72 hours before the disaster is forecast to begin, but 84 hoursprior to the predicted disaster the forecast changes, the system maychange the determined preparatory action. For instance, if the initialforecast called for a very severe storm, and recommendations were forthe local residents to evacuate the area, the initial determination mayhave been for a relatively substantial preparatory action (e.g., it maybe recommended to move all or substantially all of the user's belongingsfrom their residence). If the forecast changes, and the storm is notpredicted to be as severe in the user's locality, the recommendedpreparatory action may be less substantial (e.g., it may be recommendedto move only belongings from the basement level to avoid minorflooding). The opposite change may also be made. That is, if theforecast changes to a more severe disaster, the preparatory action to bemade may be changed to be more substantial instead of less substantial.

In some embodiments, computer readable medium 615 may further includeinstructions for receiving data from one or more third parties (640).Exemplary third party information may include the availability ofstorage space into which the user's belongings may be moved. Forexample, a storage facility may maintain a database indicating theamount of vacancy they have and the sizes of each vacant unit. Thisinformation may be receivable by system 600 in order to be consideredwhen determining how much of the user's belongings are to be moved.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of storage facility vacancyinformation. Graphic 700 illustrates a floorplan view of a plurality ofstorage units at a storage facility. Occupied storage units 705 areindicated with an whereas vacant units 710 are blank. An image of astorage facility 715 and a vacant unit 720 are also shown for reference.It will be understood that FIG. 7 is intended to represent storagevacancy data generally, and that information regarding storage vacancymay be received in any suitable form. For example, the system may simplyreceive the number of units and the size of each unit. No graphicalrepresentation need necessarily be communicated. However, in someembodiments, the graphical representation may be provided for userselection and reservation of a particular storage unit.

Accordingly, the data received from one or more third parties mayinclude vacancy data from a storage facility. Further, the preparatoryaction may include coordinating an order of a moving service to movebelongings of the user. Also, it will be understood that, in someembodiments, coordinating the order of the moving service may includedetermining a size of a moving vehicle based, at least in part, on thevacancy data.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a hauling vehicle recommendationinterface. FIG. 8 shows a personal electronic device 800 having agraphical user interface 805. Displayed on interface 805 are images ofan application configured to facilitate dispatch of a hauling vehicle tomove the belongings of a user. Device 800 may include a device processorand a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thatare executable by the device processor. The features and specificationsof these components may be similar to the device processor andnon-transitory computer readable medium discussed above.

As shown in FIG. 8, coordinating the order of the moving service mayinclude determining a size of a moving vehicle. In some cases, thevehicle size may be determined based on an amount of belongingsindicated by the user. In some cases, the vehicle size may be determinedbased on an amount of time remaining prior to the predicted disaster.

FIG. 8 illustrates three different types of hauling vehicles, eachhaving a different size. A first hauling vehicle 810 is represented as apickup truck, which may move a relatively smaller amount of the user'sbelongings. A second hauling vehicle 815 is represented as a panel van,which may be configured to move a larger amount of the user'sbelongings. A third hauling vehicle 820 is represented as atractor-trailer (semi) truck, and may be configured to move an evenlarger amount of the user's belongings, A box 825 identifies a mid-sizedhauling vehicle 830, This box may be provided as a recommendation basedon the system's analysis, or may be selectable by the user to choose atype of hauling vehicle. That is, in some cases, this type of displaymay be displayed to the user to indicate which type of vehicle is beingdispatched to their location. In some cases, this type of imagery may bedisplayed to provide the user with a choice as to which type of vehicleis to be sent. In some embodiments, the display may default to arecommended/determined vehicle size, and the user may be given theopportunity to confirm the recommended size or select a different sizebefore the preparatory act is executed by dispatching the selectedvehicle.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a hauling vehicle provided toassist a resident move their belongings ahead of a predicted disaster.Specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates mid-sized hauling vehicle 830 havingbeen dispatched to a residence 900 of a user. Accordingly, the user oran employee or volunteer associated with the moving service may move atleast some of the user's belongings into vehicle 830 for transport to asafe location. In FIG. 9, a person 905 is illustrated carrying a box ofthe user's belongings to represent this process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating process of determining a size of ahauling vehicle needed for a resident's belongings. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the computer readable medium may include instructions forreceiving location data (step 1000), with a system controller, from apersonal electronic device of a user. In addition, the computer readablemedium may include instructions for receiving forecast data (step 1005),with the system controller, regarding a predicted disaster. Further, thecomputer readable medium may include instructions for making adetermination of a hauling vehicle size (step 1010), based on thelocation data and the forecast data. Also, the computer readable mediummay include instructions for coordinating an order of a hauling vehicleof the determined size (step 1015) at a predetermined time relative tothe predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

As also shown in FIG. 10, the method may further include, prior todispatching the hauling vehicle, changing the determination of thevehicle size based on a change in the location data received from thepersonal electronic device of the user or based on a change in theforecast data received regarding the predicted disaster. Accordingly,once the needed vehicle size has been determined at step 1010, but priorto coordinating the order of the vehicle at step 1015, the system mayagain consider (or continuously reconsider) any newly received locationdata via a logic loop 1020 which returns the method to step 1000. Uponconsidering any changes in the received location data, the determinationof the vehicle size may change. For example, if the user's device isdetected to now be outside of the predicted disaster zone, it may beconcluded that the user is now out of the area, and thus, fewer of theuser's belongings need to be moved. Similarly, the system may also againconsider (or reconsider) any updated forecast data regarding animpending disaster, and change the determination of the vehicle sizeaccordingly. For example, if the strength of the hurricane is forecastto be weaker than previously predicted, the size of the hauling vehicleto be provided may be reduced. Conversely, if the storm is forecast tobe stronger than previously predicted, a larger vehicle may be providedin order to move more of the user's belongings.

In addition, the computer readable medium of the system may includeinstructions for receiving data from one or more third parties. Forexample, in FIG. 10, the system may be configured to receive storagevacancy data 1030 from a storage facility. In such cases, thepreparatory action may include coordinating an order of a moving serviceto move belongings of the user, including determining a size of a movingvehicle based, at least in part, on the vacancy data.

In some embodiments, the preparatory action may include coordinating anorder for a delivery of one or more supplies to the user, Such suppliesmay be selected from the group including food items, home protectionitems, tools, fuel, electrical generation equipment, and batteries. Inorder to minimize the duplication of items when providing the user withsupplies, the system may receive purchase data 1035 regarding purchasesmade by the user within a predetermined period of time prior to themaking of the determination of the preparatory action to be executed.The system may then base the determination of which supplies to be sentto the user, at least in part, on the received purchase data. Anysupplies that were purchased recently by the user may be omitted fromthe pre-disaster purchase order.

In some embodiments, the preparatory action taken by the system mayinclude coordinating an order for a delivery of one or more supplies tothe user. Rather than sending a standard care package of items to everyuser, the disclosed system may be configured to assess a user'sreadiness and send a customized pre-disaster order of supplies tailoredspecifically to the individual user's needs. In order to do so, in someembodiments, the system may track the recent purchase history of theuser to assess whether certain disaster preparation items have beenpurchased recently.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a recent purchase history of aresident. An exemplary purchase history report 1100 illustrates thevarious types of items relevant to disaster preparation. For example,report 1100 illustrates these supplies in several categories, includingfor example, food or grocery items 1105, energy resource items 1110, and“other” items 1115. Grocery items 1105 relevant to disaster preparationmay include non-perishable food items, water, and sanitary items. Energyresource items 1110 may include batteries, an electric generator, fuel(e.g., gasoline, diesel, etc.), firewood, etc. Other supplies 1115 mayinclude home protection items, such as sandbags, plywood, tarps, etc.The items listed in FIG. 11 are exemplary only. Many other types ofitems may be recorded in the relevant pre-disaster purchase history.

Once the user's relevant purchase history is obtained, a pre-disasterorder may be determined. The pre-disaster order may be generated basedon the information collected by the system. Based on that information, alist of recommended items may be compiled. Then, the system maycross-check this list against the user's recent purchase history. Anyitems on the pre-disaster recommended items list that have beenpurchased recently may be removed from the pre-disaster order to besubmitted.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster order 1200prepared by the pre-disaster preparation system to furnish a user withrecommended supplies in preparation for a predicted disaster. As shownin FIG. 12, pre-disaster order 1200 includes the same categories ofitems, i.e., grocery items 1205, energy resource items 1210, and “other”items 1215. Within each category, the system removes items from thedefault list that have been recently purchased by the user. For example,in FIG. 12, bottled water, canned beans, batteries, a generator,sandbags, and plywood are all crossed out because the user has alreadypurchased them recently (see FIG. 11). Pre-disaster order 1200 alsoincludes added items, such as peanut butter, water (in gallon jugs),baby formula, hand sanitizer, a phone charger, and gasoline. The amountof each of these items may be determined by the system based on theinformation collected by the system. For example the amount of gasolinemay be determined based on what type of generator the user has, how longthe storm is forecast to last, how large the user's house is, what timeof year is it (does the generator need to run an air conditioner?), etc.The amount of baby formula may be determined based on how many babiesthere are in the house, what ages they are, etc.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining suppliesneeded by a user to prepare for a disaster and sending the determinedsupplies to the user. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the computer readablemedium may include instructions for receiving location data (step 1300),with a system controller, from a personal electronic device of a user.In addition, the computer readable medium may include instructions forreceiving forecast data (step 1305), with the system controller,regarding a predicted disaster. Further, the computer readable mediummay include instructions for making a determination of needed supplies(step 1310), based on the location data and the forecast data. Also, thecomputer readable medium may include instructions for sending thesupplies determined to be needed (step 1315) at a predetermined timerelative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicted disaster.

As also shown in FIG. 13, the method may further include, prior tosending the supplies, changing the determination of which supplies areneeded based on a change in the location data received from the personalelectronic device of the user or based on a change in the forecast datareceived regarding the predicted disaster. Accordingly, once the neededsupplies have been determined at step 1310, but prior to sending thesupplies at step 1015, the system may again consider (or continuouslyreconsider) any newly received location data via a logic loop 1320 whichreturns the method to step 1300. Upon considering any changes in thereceived location data, the determination of which supplies are neededmay change. For example, if the user's device is detected to now beoutside of the predicted disaster zone, it may be concluded that theuser is now out of the area, and thus, fewer supplies are needed.Similarly, the system may also again consider (or reconsider) anyupdated forecast data regarding an impending disaster, and change thelist of needed supplies accordingly.

In some embodiments, the in order to minimize the duplication of itemswhen providing the user with supplies, the system may receive purchasedata 1330 regarding purchases made by the user within a predeterminedperiod of time prior to the making of the determination of thepreparatory action to be executed. The system may then base thedetermination of which supplies to be sent to the user, at least inpart, on the received purchase data. Any supplies that were purchasedrecently by the user may be omitted from the pre-disaster purchaseorder.

Pre-Disaster Education System

As discussed above, there are a number of precautionary steps thatresidents may take in order to prepare for an impending disaster. Forexample, in some cases, it may be advisable to move some or all of theuser's belongings in order to avoid damage or loss due to a disaster,purchasing supplies, and/or preparing one's property to withstand apredicted disaster. Further, a type of precaution may be to evacuate thearea altogether. The disclosed pre-disaster education system may beconfigured to educate users of impending disaster conditions and/or thetypes of precautionary steps they should take ahead of an impendingdisaster based on various monitored data.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a pre-disaster education system1400. As shown in FIG. 14, system 1400 may include a system controller1405. Controller 1405 may include various computing and communicationshardware, such as servers, integrated circuits, displays, etc. Further,controller 1405 may include a device processor 1410 and a non-transitorycomputer readable medium 1415 including instructions executable bydevice processor 1410 to perform the processes discussed herein. Thecomponents of controller 1405 may be implemented in association with amobile conditions monitoring center, such as vehicle, or in associationwith a control center or conditions monitoring center located in apermanent building (i.e., a brick and mortar establishment). Controller1405 and its components may have the same or similar features ascontroller 105 and its components discussed above.

Also, similar to system 100 above, system 1400 may be configured toreceive location data (1430) regarding a user's device, as well asforecast data (1435) regarding a predicted disaster. Further, computerreadable medium 1415 may include instructions for making a determinationof an educational message to be sent to the personal electronic deviceof the user, based on the location data and the forecast data; andsending the educational message 1450 to the personal electronic device1445 of the user at a predetermined time relative to the predicted timeof occurrence of the predicted disaster.

It will be understood that the initial determination of the educationalmessage may be based on the amount of time remaining until the disasterwhen the initial determination is made. The forecast may provide alonger or shorter lead time before the disaster occurs. Also, a user mayregister with the pre-disaster assistance system well ahead of apredicted disaster, or shortly before the disclosed disaster.Accordingly, the amount of time remaining before the predictedoccurrence of the disaster is considered when determining what thepre-disaster assistance is to be.

Also, as the amount of time remaining before the predicted occurrence ofa disaster reduces, the determined assistance to be provided may change.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the computer readable medium mayfurther include instructions for, prior to sending the educationalmessage, changing the determination of the educational message to besent based on a change in the location data received from the personalelectronic device of the user or based on a change in the forecast datareceived regarding the predicted disaster. For example, if theeducational message is determined by the controller and scheduled to besent to the user 72 hours before the disaster is forecast to begin, but84 hours prior to the predicted disaster the forecast changes, thesystem may change the determined preparatory action. For instance, ifthe initial forecast called for a very severe storm, the educationalmessage was to include recommendations for the user to evacuate thearea. If the forecast changes, and the storm is not predicted to be assevere in the user's locality, the recommendations included in theeducational message may be less drastic (e.g., it may no longerrecommend evacuation). The opposite change may also be made. That is, ifthe forecast changes to a more severe disaster, the educational messageto be made may be changed to recommend more significant preparatoryaction rather than less significant.

In some embodiments, computer readable medium 1415 may further includeinstructions for receiving data from one or more third parties (1440).Exemplary third party information may include the availability of spaceat a shelter to which the user may proceed after evacuating their ownresidence. For example, a shelter facility may maintain a databaseindicating the amount of vacancy they have and the sizes of each vacantspace (e.g., how many family members may be accepted). This informationmay be receivable by system 1400 in order to be considered whendetermining whether the user will be recommended to evacuate and towhere they will be instructed to proceed.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of shelter facility vacancyinformation. As shown in FIG. 15, a shelter 1500, which may be set up ina sturdy building such as a school gymnasium as pictured, may be set upto house a particular number of persons. For example, bed spaces 1505may be provided for each individual. As the shelter takes in people, theorganization that is operating the shelter may keep track of how manypeople there are in the shelter, and may even assign bed spaces as thepeople arrive. Accordingly, the organization may have electronic recordsof how many vacant bed spaces 1510 remain in the shelter at a giventime. The disclosed pre-disaster education system may be configured toreceive such shelter vacancy data and determine the educational messagesto be sent to the user accordingly.

The types of educational messages sent by the system may vary. FIG. 16is a personal electronic device interface illustrating exemplaryeducational messages sent to a user by a pre-disaster education system.As shown in FIG. 16, a personal electronic device 1600 may include agraphical user interface 1605. The features and specifications of device1600 may be the same or similar to those discussed above with respect toother embodiments.

Interface 1605 may be configured to display educational messages sent bythe disclosed pre-disaster education system. In some embodiments, theeducational message may include an alert message informing the user ofpredicted disaster conditions in the location of the user. For example,a first message 1610 may provide a warning that identifies the type ofstorm, the predicted time of arrival, and relative strength (e.g., windspeed) forecast. Further details regarding expected conditions may beprovided as well. For example, a second message 1620 may note furtherdisaster conditions, such as a storm surge and the likely consequencesfor local residents (e.g., road closures).

In some embodiments, the system may be configured to send aninstructional message with recommended precautions to be taken by theuser prior to the predicted disaster. For example, third message 1625illustrates an exemplary instructional message that provides suggestionsabout which items the user should purchase in preparation for theimpending storm.

Further, in some embodiments, the system may be configured to send arecommendation message suggesting evacuation. For example, a fourthmessage 1630 may provide a recommendation for evacuation and may specifya time by which the user should leave the area.

The content, and details provided in these messages may be determinedbased on the data collected by the system. In addition, at registration,the user may also provide data regarding their residence, health, familymembers, transportation, and overall readiness. This informationprovided by the user may also be considered when determining whateducational messages will be sent to the user.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining aneducational message to be sent to a user and sending the educationalmessage. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the computer readable medium mayinclude instructions for receiving location data (step 1700), with asystem controller, from a personal electronic device of a user. Inaddition, the computer readable medium may include instructions forreceiving forecast data (step 1705), with the system controller,regarding a predicted disaster. Further, the computer readable mediummay include instructions for making a determination of an educationalmessage to be sent to the user (step 1710), based on the location dataand the forecast data. Also, the computer readable medium may includeinstructions for sending the educational message (step 1715) at apredetermined time relative to the predicted time of occurrence of thepredicted disaster.

As also shown in FIG. 17, the method may further include, prior tosending the message, changing the determination of the message to besent based on a change in the location data received from the personalelectronic device of the user or based on a change in the forecast datareceived regarding the predicted disaster. Accordingly, once theeducational message to be sent has been determined at step 1710, butprior to sending the message at step 1715, the system may again consider(or continuously reconsider) any newly received location data via alogic loop 1720 which returns the method to step 1700. Upon consideringany changes in the received location data, the determination of theeducational message may change. Similarly, the system may also againconsider (or reconsider) any updated forecast data regarding animpending disaster, and change the determination of the educationalmessage to be sent.

In addition, the computer readable medium of the system may includeinstructions for receiving data from one or more third parties. Forexample, in FIG. 17, the system may be configured to receive sheltervacancy data 1730 from a shelter facility. In such cases, theeducational message to be sent may be determined, at least in part, onthe shelter vacancy data.

In some embodiments, the educational message may include arecommendation that the user purchase certain supplies. Such suppliesmay be include such items as food items, home protection items, tools,fuel, electrical generation equipment, batteries, etc. (See discussionof FIGS. 11 and 12 above.) In order to minimize the duplication of itemswhen providing the user with supplies, the system may receive purchasedata 1735 regarding purchases made by the user within a predeterminedperiod of time prior to the making of the determination of theeducational message to be sent. The system may then base thedetermination of which supplies the user will be recommended topurchase, at least in part, on the received purchase data. Any suppliesthat were purchased recently by the user may be omitted from thepre-disaster purchase recommendation.

The embodiments discussed herein may make use of methods and systems inartificial intelligence to improve efficiency and effectiveness of thedisclosed systems. As used herein, “artificial intelligence” may includeany known methods in machine learning and related fields. As examples,artificial intelligence may include systems and methods used in deeplearning and machine vision.

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of theembodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shownin the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description,many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Anyfeature of any embodiment may be used in combination with, orsubstituted for, any other feature or element in any other embodimentunless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood thatany of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure maybe implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, theembodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attachedclaims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changesmay be made within the scope of the attached claims.

We claim:
 1. A disaster preparation system, comprising: a systemcontroller including: a device processor; and a non-transitory computerreadable medium including instructions executable by the deviceprocessor to perform the following steps: receiving location data from apersonal electronic device of a user; receiving forecast data regardinga predicted disaster; making a determination of a preparatory action tobe executed on behalf of the user, based on the location data and theforecast data; and executing the preparatory action at a predeterminedtime relative to the predicted time of occurrence of the predicteddisaster; wherein the preparatory action includes coordinating an orderof a moving service to move belongings of the user; wherein coordinatingthe order of the moving service includes determining a size of a movingvehicle based on an amount of belongings indicated by the user; andwherein executing the preparatory action includes dispatching a movingvehicle based on the order of the moving service.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the computer readable medium further includes instructionsfor, prior to executing the preparatory action, changing thedetermination of the preparatory action to be executed.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the computer readable medium further includesinstructions for, prior to executing the preparatory action, changingthe determination of the preparatory action to be executed based on achange in the location data received from the personal electronic deviceof the user.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the computer readablemedium further includes instructions for, prior to executing thepreparatory action, changing the determination of the preparatory actionto be executed based on a change in the forecast data received regardingthe predicted disaster.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein coordinatingthe order of the moving service includes determining a size of a movingvehicle based on an amount of time remaining prior to the predicteddisaster.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer readable mediumfurther includes instructions for receiving data from one or more thirdparties.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the data received from one ormore third parties includes vacancy data from a storage facility;wherein coordinating the order of the moving service includesdetermining the size of the moving vehicle based, at least in part, onthe vacancy data.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the preparatoryaction includes coordinating an order for a delivery of one or moresupplies to the user.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the supplies areselected from the group including food items, home protection items,tools, fuel, electrical generation equipment, and batteries.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the computer readable medium further includesinstructions for receiving purchase data regarding purchases made by theuser within a predetermined period of time prior to the making of thedetermination of the preparatory action to be executed, and basing thedetermination of which supplies to be sent to the user, at least inpart, on the received purchase data.
 11. A disaster preparation method,comprising: executing, with a device processor, instructions stored on anon-transitory computer readable medium to perform the following steps:receiving location data from a personal electronic device of a user;receiving forecast data regarding a predicted disaster; making adetermination of a preparatory action to be executed on behalf of theuser, based on the location data and the forecast data; and executingthe preparatory action at a predetermined time relative to the predictedtime of occurrence of the predicted disaster; wherein the preparatoryaction includes coordinating an order of a moving service to movebelongings of the user; wherein coordinating the order of the movingservice includes determining a size of a moving vehicle based on anamount of belongings indicated by the user; and wherein executing thepreparatory action includes dispatching a moving vehicle based on theorder of the moving service.
 12. The method of claim 11, furtherincluding, prior to executing the preparatory action, changing thedetermination of the preparatory action to be executed.
 13. The methodof claim 12, further including, prior to executing the preparatoryaction, changing the determination of the preparatory action to beexecuted based on a change in the location data received from thepersonal electronic device of the user.
 14. The method of claim 12,further including, prior to executing the preparatory action, changingthe determination of the preparatory action to be executed based on achange in the forecast data received regarding the predicted disaster.15. The method of claim 11, wherein coordinating the order of the movingservice includes determining the size of the moving vehicle based on anamount of time remaining prior to the predicted disaster.
 16. The methodof claim 11, further including receiving data from one or more thirdparties.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the data received from oneor more third parties includes vacancy data from a storage facility;wherein coordinating the order of the moving service includesdetermining the size of the moving vehicle based, at least in part, onthe vacancy data.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the preparatoryaction includes coordinating an order for a delivery of one or moresupplies to the user.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the suppliesare selected from the group including food items, home protection items,tools, fuel, electrical generation equipment, and batteries.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further including receiving purchase data regardingpurchases made by the user within a predetermined period of time priorto the making of the determination of the preparatory action to beexecuted, and basing the determination of which supplies to be sent tothe user, at least in part, on the received purchase data.